Aviation High School

Basic / Advanced Jets

Torque Wrench Standard Practices
Name:_____________________________________________.

Revision B
September 2011
a.n.c

Date:_____________

Types of Torque Wrenches

The torque wrench or torque screwdriver is a special calibrated tool that is used to accurately tighten a
fastener to a given torque. The torque wrench / torque screwdriver measures the amount of twisting force
applied to a nut, bolt or screw. It will either have an attached scale or dial that shows the applied torque
( on the rigid & flexible beam type torque wrenches) or it will have a ratcheting mechanism that releases or
snaps when the selected torque value has been reached ( on the ratchet or snap type torque wrench).

Or flexible beam

1.

Flexible Beam Wrench.

Easy to operate. When torque is applied to the handle, the needle moves to the right or left indicating
the amount or torque applied. Once the torque pressure is removed, the needle automatically returns to zero.
Its pivoted handle concentrates the applied turning force at the precise point on the lever to assure torque
accuracy. Wrench can be used in both in both left and right hand directions. Accuracy is +/- 2%.

a.
b.
c.

d.

How to use a Flexible Beam torque wrench:

Install the proper size socket onto the drive end of the torque wrench.
Put the socket onto the but to be tightened. If necessary, hold the head of the bolt with the appropriate
size wrench.
Pull wrench with a smooth and steady motion. Keep the direction of pull at right angles to the handle.
Be sure to apply the force to the center of the handle. If the handle has a pivot point, apply the force to
keep the handle centered on the pivot point.
Tighten the nut ( or bolt) until the reading on the scale matches the required torque.

Note: If the pointer does not point to zero when no torque is being applied, the wrench is out of
calibration and must not be used.

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2.

Dial Type Torque Wrench.

Named for its easy to read torque measurement dial. It allows the operator to quickly identify the torque
being applied. It measures torque by way of a needle that moves inside the dial. Can be used in both
directions.

How to use a Dial Type torque wrench:

a,b,c. Use the same first three steps used for the flexible beam torque wrench
d.
Torque the nut (or bolt) until the reading on the dial matches the intended torque value.
Note: If the dial does not read zero when no torque is being applied adjust the dial to read zero. If the dial
is not adjustable the wrench is out of calibration and must not be used.
3.

a.

Racheting or Snap Type Torque Wrench

With this torque wrench, the desired torque is determined before the wrench is used by turning the
micrometer like thimble above the handle to the desire setting on the shaft of the torque wrench.
Once the set torque value is reached a click can be felt and heard. Most are designed for use in only one
direction ( either clock-wise or counter-clockwise)
How to use a Snap Type torque wrench:
Unlock the handle and adjust it to the necessary scale position for the desired torque value then re-lock
the handle. Apply the torque in a steady and smooth motion. When the wrench reaches the set torque
value the handle will automatically release or snap.

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How to Use a Torque Wrench

Always follow the maintenance manuals procedures for torque wrench use. They must be followed.
It will contain information on torquing techniques, standard practices in using a torque wrench and
standard torque value tables.
Note 1: When the torque value for a particular fastener or fitting is not specified in the aircraft or engines
maintenance manual procedures, the mechanic should use the torque values listed in the
maintenance manuals standard torque tables.
1.

2.

Select the proper torque wrench.

Select a torque wrench where the required torque to be applied falls around the middle or well
within the wrenchs high - low torque range.
Make sure the capacity of the wrench you select is rated above the torque required.
Never exceed or go below the torque value range of the torque wrench.
Do not use the torque wrench as a breaker bar or to loosen nuts or bolts.

3.

Check the calibration date.

Before you use any torque wrench make sure it has been calibrated and that its calibration date has not
expired. The last calibration date and the next calibration due date will be on an inspection sticker
affixed to the torque wrench .
Do not use the torque wrench if the calibration sticker is missing or expired.
Torque wrenches must be calibrated at least once per year and they must be tested for accuracy at least
once per month. Some airlines require that you check the accuracy of the torque wrench before each
use by comparing its reading to a calibrated torque pendulum.
If the torque wrench is dropped or damaged in service, return it to the tool room for re-calibration or
repair.
Do not use your own personal torque wrench unless its calibration requirements satisfy FAA and
Airline requirements if permitted at all.

4.

Determine the units ( foot-pounds or inch-pounds ) in which your torque wrench measures.
Either inch -pound or foot-pound torque wrenches may be used to apply the required torque as long as
that torque falls well within the torque value range of the wrench. Just convert the required torque to
the proper units of the wrench if the required torque is not given in the units of your torque wrench.
Foot-pound torque wrenches are usually reserved for larger torques.

5.

Torque nuts & bolts with clean and dry threads unless otherwise specified in the maintenance manual.
Do not lubricate nut or bolt threads unless otherwise specified in the maintenance manual.
Example: In some Pratt & Whitney engine manuals it specifies that thread lubricant shall be applied
to all engine parts which are to be torque unless otherwise specified.
Thread lubricant shall be engine oil unless otherwise specified.
At Aviation High School, all nuts and bolts to be torque will have clean and dry threads unless
otherwise specified by the instructor or in the paperwork.

Torque the nut end of a nut / bolt combination when possible and where accessible ( see 7B ).
Always use a backup wrench when tightening a nut onto a bolt or when tightening couplings and
bulkhead style fittings. Back the fitting and torque the nut in all cases.
register on the indicator or setting for a snap type torque wrench.
6.

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Over

7.

Torque Ranges:
Unless otherwise specified by the maintenance manual, when given a torque range for the torque on a
particular fastener do the following: ( example 60 to 80 inch-pounds )
A. when torturing a fastener, torque to the mid-point of the torque range.
For example: If the torque range is 60 to 80 inch-pounds, torque the fastener to 70 inch-pounds.
B. If you must torque the bolts head of a nut-bolt combination instead of the nut because the nut is
not accessible, tighten it to the upper limit of the torque range (in this case 80 inch-pounds).
C. if you are torquing a castellated nut, torque to the low end of the torque range, 60 inch-pounds
for our example, and then check if the castle cut-out on the nut is aligned with the hole in the
bolt shank to allow for the insertion of a cotter pin. If they do not align, tighten the nut until
they do but in no case is the maximum torque of the range to be exceeded. If alignment can not
be accomplished without exceeding the maximum torque it may be necessary to select a
different length bolt or to add washers ( max 2 under nut and /or bolt head).

Note 1: When torturing a nut - bolt combination, always hold the end ,opposite to the one being torqued,
with a wrench. This is done to keep the entire assembly from rotating as torque is being applied.
Note 2: Always use a backup wrench when tightening couplings and bulkhead style fittings. Back the
fitting and tighten the nut in all cases.
8.

Procedures for Applying Torque to a fastener:

Apply torque with a slow, smooth and uniform pull at right angles to the torque wrench handle.
The torturing procedure is as follows.
A. Tighten the nut-bolt combination or bolt until they /it just begins to contact the component ,
washer or bearing surface.
As you do, check torque required to turn the bolt into the hole or for the nut to be turned
onto the bolt. This is known as the friction drag torque. It is basically a measure of how much
torque is needed to screw a nut ( especially a self-locking nut) onto a bolt or to screw a bolt into
a hole. This measurement must be done before the nut or bolts contacts the component or
structure. This friction drag must be added to the desired torque to get a final torque for the
fastener. This final torque is the one to be indicated on the torque wrench.
B. Using the torque wrench, tighten the nut or the bolt to its required final torque.
For accurate torquing, the final turn of the nut or bolt must be made with the torque wrench.
C. Re-check torque on the fastener.

Note 1: Do not use the torque wrench on nuts or bolts that have already been completely tightened with a
conventional wrench or socket as the desired torque might have already been exceeded.
The procedure here would be to loosen the fastener(s) then re-torqued.
Some aircraft maintenance procedures require that we measure how much torque it takes to loosen
a fastener. It should be the same as the original torque we used to tighten the fastener. This is
done to assure that the fastener was at the proper torque and was therefore taking up its share of
the structural load.
Note 2: Do not use the torque wrench as a breaker bar to loosen nuts or bolts.

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9.

Procedures for Applying torque to multiple fasteners in Sequence:

When there are several bolts to tighten on a component (especially when they are in a circular
arrangement) they must be tighten in a specific sequence that is normally specified in the manual.
If it is not specified, torque the bolts 180 degrees apart.
Examples :
Note: The X in the examples below symbolizes the actual fastener to be torqued, while the # is
the order in the torque sequence.

If fasteners are in a circular arrangement, the sequence is

1X
3X

4X
2X

If the fasteners are in a line, the sequence is: 7 X 5 X 3 X 1 X 2 X 4 X 6 X

Or 13 X 9 X

5 X 1 X 3 X 7 X 11 X

14X 10 X 6 X 2 X 4 X 8 X 12 X

When tightening multiple fasteners in a sequence pattern do the following:

A. Tighten each bolt or nut-bolt combination until it / they just begins to contact the structure.
B. Tighten each nut or bolt to half its torque value following the proper sequence*.
C. Tighten each nut or bolt to its required final torque following the proper sequence*.
D. Re-check the torque on each fastener ( following a sequence is not necessary).
These technique reduces the strain on the fasteners and allows the parts to be seated correctly and for the
loads to be equally distributed.

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Using a Torque Wrench with Accessory Extensions

Sometimes you may need to torque fasteners that are in difficult to get to locations. When this happens
you might need to use an extension attached to the torque wrench to apply the torque.
There are two types of extensions. They are the handle extensions and drive end extensions. Do not use a
handle extension with the flexible beam type torque wrench as this will cause inaccurate torque readings.
Handle extensions may be used on the rigid frame and snap type torque wrenches as extensions on these
types of torque wrenches do not change the torque applied to the fastener.
Using an extension on the drive end, however, ( except when that extension is at 90 degrees to the
torque wrench frame) will change the required torque reading on the torque wrench. If the maintenance
manual instructs you to use an extension, it will give you the required changes / corrections to the torque
wrench readings. If the maintenance manual does not tell you to use an extension, or you decide to use an
extension on your own, use the following formula to calculate the corrected torque value to be
indicated on the torque wrench for the required torque needed on the fastener. Failure to make these
corrections will result in the wrong torques being applied and may result in serious installation errors.
R=LxT =LxT
A
L+E

Example:

Where: R = Corrected torque reading on torque wrench dial or scale.

L = Lever length of the torque wrench.
E = Length of the extension.
T = Required torque on nut or bolt.
A = Distance through which force is applied (= L + E ).

A nut requires 180 foot-pounds of torque. You are using a 12 inch long torque wrench with a
3 inch extension. What should the torque wrench dial read in order to provide 180 foot-pounds
of torque?
R= L x T = 180 x 12 = 144 foot-pounds.
L+E
15

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